PALM DESERT, Calif. — LeBron James and Brony James made history Sunday night by becoming the first father and son to play in an NBA game together.
The historic moment came early in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Phoenix Suns. Bronnie James, who celebrated her 20th birthday, got into the game and joined her father on the court.
“It’s surreal,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the game. “It’s going to be fun when they’re on the court together. I’m excited about it. I’m so proud to be a part of history.”
Redick said the historic moment will happen “in the flow of the game” and won’t be “gimmicked.” That’s exactly what happened when the younger James went to start the second quarter with fellow freshman Dalton Knecht.
The elder James, entering his 22nd season, has talked about his desire to play with his oldest son for years, and the Lakers positioned father and son to make history by drafting Brony James with the 55th pick in June.
LeBron James, 39, started Sunday’s game, the previous starter on Friday. He and Olympic teammate Anthony Davis seemed to have a spring in their feet early, leading LA with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting and 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, respectively, in the first half.
Bronnie James was held scoreless for 4 minutes, 9 seconds in the second quarter.
